Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe

Bright, soft, and bursting with citrusy goodness, Lemon Sweet Rolls are everything you crave in a spring-inspired brunch treat. These tender rolls swirl together pillowy, buttery dough with a sweet-tart lemon sugar filling, and the luscious lemon glaze drizzled over the top makes every bite simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a zesty twist on classic breakfast rolls or a delightful dessert for your next gathering, Lemon Sweet Rolls are guaranteed to steal the show and bring sunshine to your table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Lemon Sweet Rolls lies in their simplicity—every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to create just the right texture, tang, and sweetness. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each component essential for this irresistible treat.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base for a soft and fluffy dough—sift it for best results.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the dough and the filling, highlighting that sunny lemon flavor.
• Active dry yeast: Ensures a beautiful, airy rise and irresistible pull-apart texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Warm milk (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
• Warm water: Helps bring the dough together—use more milk for an even richer flavor if you like.
• Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Adds tenderness and that classic bakery decadence to both the dough and the filling.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and gives the rolls their delightful texture.
• Zest of lemon: Both in the dough and filling, it’s the superstar ingredient that delivers vibrant citrus notes.
• Powdered sugar: The foundation for the tangy-sweet lemon glaze.
• Fresh lemon juice: Whisks the glaze into bright, sunny territory with pure lemon flavor.
• Heavy cream or milk: Gives the glaze a dreamy, velvety finish—choose cream for extra richness.

How to Make Lemon Sweet Rolls

Step 1: Start the Dough

Begin by combining the warm water, warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Allow this to sit for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy—this lets you know your yeast is perfectly activated and ready to lift your Lemon Sweet Rolls to new heights.

Step 2: Mix and Knead

Once the yeast is foamy, stir in the melted butter, egg, lemon zest, and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand (or with a stand mixer and dough hook) for 6–8 minutes until your dough is smooth and elastic. This is where the magic begins, as your kitchen fills with that fresh lemon aroma!

Step 3: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, turn it over to coat it lightly in oil, then cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Set aside in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, which takes about an hour. This slow rise is what creates that signature pillowy texture Lemon Sweet Rolls are known for.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Filling

While the dough rises, prepare the intensely aromatic lemon sugar filling. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and the zest of two lemons, rubbing the zest in with your fingertips until the mixture is fragrant and slightly moist. This infuses the sugar with bold lemon flavor that will really shine in each spiral.

Step 5: Shape and Fill the Rolls

Once the dough has doubled, roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the entire surface, then sprinkle generously with your lemon-sugar mixture. Starting from the long side, roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces for perfectly sized Lemon Sweet Rolls.

Step 6: Second Rise

Arrange the cut rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish with the spiral sides facing up. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise once more for 30–40 minutes, until they look full and puffy—this helps them bake up light and airy.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 22–25 minutes, just until the tops are lightly golden. Resist the urge to overbake; you want them gooey and soft in the center.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

While the Lemon Sweet Rolls cool just slightly, quickly whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and cream until smooth. Drizzle liberally over the warm rolls. The glaze will sink into all those gorgeous swirls, giving you that classic lemony sweetness in every bite.

How to Serve Lemon Sweet Rolls

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, try sprinkling extra fresh lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar over your glazed Lemon Sweet Rolls. You can also garnish with a few edible flowers or thin lemon slices for a beautiful, brunch-worthy presentation.

Side Dishes

Lemon Sweet Rolls are heavenly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a fuller brunch spread, pair them with fresh fruit salad, Greek yogurt with berries, or crisp bacon for a savory contrast to their sweet-tart richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Lemon Sweet Rolls warm straight from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style feel. For a special gathering, plate individual rolls with a drizzle of glaze and a twist of lemon zest on top—guests will be wowed by both the flavor and presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extras, store Lemon Sweet Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’re best enjoyed within a day, but even by day two, they’re still a treat, especially if you pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Freezing

Lemon Sweet Rolls freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. For the freshest taste, add glaze after thawing and reheating rather than before freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds or warm a tray of rolls, covered with foil, in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. Add extra glaze after warming if you want them ooey-gooey and ultra-indulgent!

FAQs

Can I prep Lemon Sweet Rolls the night before?

Absolutely! Simply assemble the rolls and arrange them in the baking dish, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and puff up for about 30 minutes before baking as usual.

How do I make the glaze extra tangy?

You can add a splash more lemon juice or even a spoonful of cream cheese to the glaze for a delicious, tangy twist that perfectly balances the sweetness.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries! You can easily make Lemon Sweet Rolls entirely by hand. Just combine everything in a big bowl and knead the dough on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic.

Can I make these vegan or dairy free?

With a few swaps—plant-based butter, a dairy-free milk, and an egg substitute—these rolls can be made suitable for both vegan and dairy-free diets, though the texture may vary slightly.

What other citrus flavors can I use?

If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the lemon with orange or even grapefruit zest for a new twist. Each citrus brings its own unique flavor, making these sweet rolls endlessly customizable.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried homemade Lemon Sweet Rolls, you’re in for a real treat. Don’t be surprised if they become the most-requested recipe at every brunch or family gathering—there’s just something about their sunny flavor and puddles of lemony glaze that’s truly unforgettable. Gather your ingredients and let the citrus magic begin!

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